Snowy River: The McGregor Saga (1993) s02e09 Episode Script
The Lost Child
1 (whimsical music) (hammer clanging) There never was a horse I couldn't handle.
Mr.
Jake, I'm much happier doing this myself.
And that's another thing, well you being a woman and all.
I know, I'm probably the most difficult customer you've ever had.
No, the most difficult customer I have is that old prospector who was in here awhile ago.
Prospector? Old man Everett, mad as a cut snake.
Everett? Mm.
Doug Everett? The same, now he's over there in the store just now.
(Doug grunts) Giddy up ya mongrel, come on, yah.
Mr.
Everett! Mr.
Everett please stop.
I need to speak to you.
Whoa you mongrel.
I'm Joanna Walker, you knew my Father, Joseph Walker? Never heard of him.
Go on, gee haw, gee haw.
Ho, ho, stop, whoa, whoa.
Mr.
Everett, my Father's dead now, but he had a son, my, my half brother Thomas, I must find him.
I don't know nothing about no son either.
Now get out of me way girly, 'cause I got things to do.
Come on, gee haw, yah! Remember not to put any weight on that foot.
Maybe next time you'll think twice before you go jumping your horse bareback.
The doctor didn't say anything about not riding.
Michael, when you're fit enough to to back to school, you'll be fit to ride again and not before.
All right? (hooves thudding) Hello Joanna.
Hello Kathleen.
Matt! Joanna.
I saw him.
I saw him in town.
[Matt.]
Who? Everett.
What were you doing with Doug Everett? Ah, he's a friend of my Father's.
Did you speak to him? I spoke to him, but he wouldn't tell me anything.
In fact, he nearly ran me down with his wagon.
(scoffs) Lucky he wasn't driving a train, he's crazy.
Well he's the only link I have to my brother.
I really need to talk to him.
Ah, you probably just caught him on a bad day.
Which way was he headed? He was going down Main Street, South I think.
Well that makes sense, he's got a camp out at Swifts Creek.
Dad, we gonna break these horses? Haven't you just got back? I can't drive you away again.
If you're stuck, I don't mind taking you there.
I'll take you.
Well I, I have to make a delivery to Omeo, and Swifts Creek's practically on the way.
What about your business and Michael? Well I'll only be gone a couple of days.
The ankle's healing well, and it'll give Matt and Michael a chance to get to know each other.
Man to impending stepfather.
(whimsical music) (Rooster screeching) Shoot, shoot, get out.
[Rooster.]
Shoo, shoo Shoo, shoo.
[Danni.]
Dad will kill you.
I know.
You shouldn't keep a wild bird in captivity anyway, it's cruel.
Well I saved him when he fell out of the nest.
He loves me.
Here Rooster, here boy.
What sort of name is Rooster? It's a cockatoo, not a chicken.
[Michael.]
It suits him.
You better get this mess cleaned up before Dad comes back.
(Matt clears his throat) Hi Dad.
Hi Matt.
I think he was looking for a mouse.
Cockatoos don't eat mice, but it seems they eat everything else.
Well he won't do it again, I promise.
Can't you build a cage for it, or just set it free? You can't put him in a cage.
Well he'd die without me.
(Rooster squawking) [Joanna.]
Matt really is an amazing person.
I think so.
Isn't it a bit daunting marrying such an adventurous man? Uh, not in the least.
He has a wonderful way with horses, and he's awfully charming.
Awfully.
And he's so kind, and I've never heard him raise his voice to anybody.
Mm, he has his moments, and if he can draw a map, this should be the road to Swifts Creek.
Walk on.
Hey hungry? [Rooster.]
Hungry.
Yes thanks.
Good.
So Emily's made your room up for you.
Yeah, well you've got the number one guest bed.
Don't know what you've done to deserve it.
The uh, cockatoo sleeps outside doesn't he? Um, sometimes.
Well it's your responsibility to see he doesn't misbehave.
Better keep him well fed huh? Now, if there's anything you need.
If you need any advice on anything, you know, man to man, you tell me okay? Good.
Well there is something.
Could you pass the pickles please.
Yeah sure, that's great, anything at all.
Come on, come on, come on, come here, come here.
Come on, come on, come on.
You useless, aah! Well that's it, that's the last time.
I'm sick of you.
I'll learn you.
(horse whinnying) No! Don't you dare strike that animal.
You get out of my way.
Whoa, steady, steady, easy now.
What's wrong, what's wrong? Whatever it is I can fix it.
I couldn't get near it, it'll kill her.
Oh, that's the problem.
What, what is it? It's an abscess.
Well, you should put it out of it's misery.
No, I can fix it.
Just needs to be lanced.
Can you do it? Yes.
So what can I do? You can build up the fire and boil me some water.
Fine.
[Michael.]
Matt.
[Matt.]
Yes Michael? You said if I wanted to talk, you know, get some advice.
Yeah of course, is something bothering you? I don't know what to do.
It's this Thursday, but Mom said I wasn't to tell.
Yeah, what's on this Thursday? Mama's birthday, I thought we should have a party.
It's your Mother's birthday this Thursday? She made me promise not to tell, but I reckon birthdays are important.
Oh, they sure are.
Thanks for telling me.
I don't think your Mom will mind a bit.
You touch her with that, she'll kick you into next year.
[Joanna.]
Kathleen, I'm ready now.
Thanks.
[Kathleen.]
I'll take that.
Look, I'm not gonna tell ya this isn't gonna hurt, because it is.
You're gonna have to be brave, okay? All right.
(knife thuds) (horse whinnying) Okay, all over, well done.
Good, good girl.
I could've done that.
Couldn't get close enough, that's all.
Here you go.
Ah.
Thanks.
Just the thing.
It's not too clean.
So you really did know my Father? Maybe.
Found this in his hut.
It says in here that you and he had a gold mining claim together.
He was a good fella your Dad.
He come up to the high country with his new bride, and then she died, and he went sort of crazy, because it was the second time you see.
Your Mom was the first, and then she went, and ah, he never got himself over that.
They had another child, a little boy.
Yeah, Tommy.
What happened to him.
Gave him away.
What? Your Father gave him away.
You gotta see it from his side you see, because he'd gone to pieces.
He could hardly look out for himself, let alone a little nipper, and with his wife gone, he was sick, and ah, well I don't think he expected to live that long himself, and there was this woman see? She was a good woman, she already had a child, but for some reason she couldn't have no more, so your Father thought that she and her husband could offer all that you Dad couldn't.
You know, family life, a woman's touch.
I mean, your Dad really thought it all for the best.
And it wasn't? Well, your Dad didn't know, and none of us had any idea.
What happened? Oh now now, if I tell ya, he'd kill me (chuckles).
My life wouldn't be worth two bob.
Please Doug, where's my brother? (dramatic music) He's with a man called Langer, but I warn ya, he's a monster.
(dramatic music) (whimsical music) (Rooster squawking) Good day to you young sir.
Alan Grout Tinker, or so the sign man tells me.
I never did learn to read or write.
That's what it says.
I'm Michael O'Neil.
Knives sharpened, boots resoled and heeled.
At your service Michael O'Neil.
I'm looking for a present for my Mother.
Mm, pretty lady is she? Of course she is.
Baubles from Bolivia to melt a mother's heart.
Beads and braids from the Indian subcontinent.
Fashion accessories never before seen in the colonies, all the way from the mysterious East.
Beautiful isn't it? From the Royal Court in Shanghai.
An absolute steal at ten shillings, but for you, five.
I don't have enough money.
I don't suppose you could give me credit til Friday could you? Credit, now credit doesn't help anyone.
It would be trouble for you, and absolute death of me.
No money you say? What do we have here? Ah you seem to be a man of means.
Uh, a man of substance.
Are they mine? Well the ears are yours, of course they're yours.
Here.
They're only buttons.
And isn't that like life? One disappointment after another.
Nothing comes easy Michael O'Neil, remember that.
Nothing comes easy.
That's a beautiful bird you've got there.
Would you care to sell him? There are people who live in fine houses in Melbourne that never see the countryside.
They would pay good money for a bird like that.
I wouldn't sell him.
Not for anything.
Everything has a price Mr.
O'Neil, everything.
A beautiful bird like that, intelligent too I can see.
You might raise as much as five shillings even.
[Rooster.]
(squawks) Five shillings.
(whimsical music) We could be in for some bad weather.
Maybe worth setting up camp before it moves in.
I know we won't reach Langer's by nightfall, but there's a couple hours of daylight left, be a shame to waste them.
I think we really should look for a campsite now.
I suppose so.
We'll stop at the next stream, all right? I tend to favor a higher ground, but whatever you think.
Bessie! Whoa, hold on, whoa! Bessie, ooh! Ooh, ooh, whoa! Oh no! No no no no no, oh, ooh! You all right? Yes.
Are you sure? I think so.
Perfect.
What? Well you said you wanted to camp near the water.
I said near it, not in it.
(Joanna chuckles) (Kathleen chuckles) What do we do now? I guess we should start um, unloading the cart.
Could you start unhitching Bessie for me? I hate to say this, but I think we should get help.
There's no one around for miles Joanna.
No we can manage, we just have to find some leverage once we've unloaded the wagon.
Okay.
[Kathleen.]
All right.
Pull it this way here.
Hello Bess.
Who thought it would come to this Joanna? I mean look at me.
Oh, I hope this is gonna work Kathleen.
It has to work.
Ah! Yes, yes! Yes, yes.
Woo hoo! (whimsical music) Don't think you're the only one who has this problem.
I gotta admit, when I was your age I had the same problem.
More than once.
It's never happen before.
Well, Tinker's right, it doesn't help to borrow money.
Now I don't mind loaning you some, but you asked for my advice, and the thing is, well I've never had any respect for a man who has to borrow money to get out of trouble.
Well, I guess not.
[Danni.]
Give me back the tablecloth you silly bird.
Get out, shoo, go on.
(Rooster squawking) Shoo, shoo.
I don't suppose you've got anything you might wanna sell? Just a thought.
(whimsical music) Mm, thanks.
So have you thought about what you're gonna do when we find the boy? With money I have left, I'm gonna buy a little house in Bendigo.
I thought you were gonna stay in the high country, and breed horses like your Father.
Maybe, someday, but I want Tommy to have every opportunity.
Some culture, a good education, but most of all I want him to have a family.
(whimsical music) Don't look so down young lad.
You don't have to worry about Rooster anymore.
Are you sure he'll have a good home? A home fit for the prince of birds.
I'm afraid he'll fret for me.
He won't fret, believe me.
A day or two apart and you'll be forgotten.
It's the way of the world.
You said, you did say, five shillings didn't you? I certainly did, and that's what you shall have, five of the very best.
One, two, three, four, and five.
And I'd like to buy that shawl over there.
And that will cost you five shillings.
One, two, three, four, five.
It's a miracle isn't it, how money makes the world go round? Never fails to fascinate me.
They'll treat him well won't they? They love wild things in Melbourne.
He'll have pride of place in some fine parlor.
Yes indeed.
Once he's stuffed and mounted.
Stuffed? I do a fine job if I say so myself.
You're gonna kill Rooster? Only way to do it I'm afraid.
Well no, I'll buy him back.
Ah well, a deal's a deal.
I stand to make a handsome little profit from him, stuffed.
Sorry boy.
Five pieces of silver Rooster.
(Rooster squawks) (whimsical music) Whoa girl.
By the look of this area, we're nearly there.
I can't wait.
Joanna, I think you have to be prepared in case In case Langer's as bad as they painted him to be? Well that too, but two years is a very long time, anything could've happened.
You don't think Langer could've harmed him do you? Well I just think you have to be prepared for any eventuality.
They may not even be there anymore.
Well, wherever he is, I'm gonna find him and bring him home.
(whimsical music) (whimsical music) Michael.
What's the matter? Huh, you missing your Mother or something? No, it's not that.
You know that advice you gave me? Mm hmm.
I ran into some trouble with it.
Huh? I decided to sell Rooster, you know, to buy the shawl for Mom.
Well that's a big decision, and I can understand your concern.
I'd have actually thought about it.
Well I though so, except that Tinker said he's gonna stuff Rooster, put him in a glass case.
Oh boy, not around here he's not.
Come on.
(whimsical music) Here you go.
Ah Mr.
Grout.
[Alan.]
That's me.
I want the bird back.
Well, anything's possible.
That's an extremely valuable specimen.
Mm hmm, how valuable? Well I couldn't let it go for under 15 shillings.
15? Well I'll give ya five, that's what you paid for it.
Michael's changed his mind.
Let's call it a cooling down period shall we? Otherwise, things are gonna get decidedly warmer.
You get my drift? You may keep the cage.
[Matt.]
Thank you.
What about the shawl? I've still got it.
That means I owe you five shillings, and that's a loan.
No let's say it's an advance on two weeks part-time work at Langara huh.
Great.
The sign says you do photographic work.
You do house calls? I certainly do.
The miracle of the age.
Anything from true lifelikenesses to sweeping panoramas, and a delightful array of frames handcrafted for your delectation.
I think he means yes.
[Michael.]
Yeah (chuckles).
[Matt.]
Up you go.
(cart squeaking) (wagon rumbling) Mom, Mommy! No wait, it's all right.
Don't worry about the girl.
She's not used to strangers.
This is private property.
You're trespassing on a mining lease.
We're looking for a man called Langer.
Whatcha want with him? Information, I'm looking for my brother.
He's a seven year old.
Your brother, what's his name? Tommy, Thomas Walker.
I'm Joanna Walker and this is Kathleen O'Neil.
My name's Dick Langer.
You can be at ease, you won't need the rifle.
Yes.
Do you know the boy? Certainly do, he's a part of our family now.
You ladies had best step down.
Mr.
Langer, I've been so intent on my search and my plans for the future that I really only saw this from my point of view.
Don't be alarmed, we always knew someone would come someday.
We just been taking care of the boy in sacred trust that's all.
A very generous attitude.
Dorothy, come here love.
Some people to see you.
This is my wife Dorothy, my daughter Jenny.
This here's young Tommy.
Hello Tommy.
Tommy, say hello to your big sister.
How about a cupper love, Jenny will give ya a hand.
Come on mate, pretty lady's come a long way to see ya.
All the way from old Doug Everett's I'd say.
Am I right? As a matter of fact, it was.
So you were expecting the worst? A burst of rifle fire at least.
Sorry, but you're not the first to be fooled by old Doug.
Still he's not to blame you know, he's a bit strange in the head.
That's by the by.
Now Tommy, this here's your sister, and she lives in a big house in the city, and she's searched high and low for ya, and now she wants to take you back with her.
So what do ya say? I don't want to rush the child.
You wouldn't wanna force him against his will would ya? So what do you say son, do you wanna go? (whimsical music) This will do just fine.
He'll have plenty of company here.
Are you sure you'll be okay? Some things just weren't meant to be caged.
(Rooster squawking) That's Miss Walker's, and that's your Father's.
Oh, what a nasty looking bruise.
Oh it's nothing, it's just a bump.
Bruises easy my wife, and clumsy.
If it's there to bump into, she'll do it.
Yeah clumsy, always have been.
That's why you need a man around don't ya? Take care of you womenfolk.
Well not necessarily Mr.
Langer.
More and more women are leading successful, independent lives these days.
There's no question that the old ways are changing.
But it's not natural is it? Dorothy love, I think we need some more water.
It's all right Richard, they'll be enough.
But I'd be obliged if you'd be so good as to get some more just in case.
Yes dear.
I assure you Mr.
Langer, that as much as I appreciate family values, I too am a single woman.
Well what would the boy do without a father? Do you really think I'd take Tommy away, if I didn't think I could take care of him? I know that I can give him a safe, happy, and secure home.
It's not a real family is it? Family's important.
You'd agree with that wouldn't you my dear? Boy needs a bit of rough and tumble, mix it in with the men.
Wouldn't want him to turn out a sissy.
No matter how he turns out, it'll be just fine with me.
Mr.
Langer, we hate to bother you, but it's getting too late for us to make it back tonight, so if you don't mind, we'll camp by the creek.
Be our pleasure.
I do feel for them, but why would Tommy wanna stay there? Am I being selfish thinking he'd be better off with me? No, of course you're not.
She's a good woman.
Everett said that Dad placed him in a home with a good woman, and a good family, but I'm not so sure.
A frightened woman I'd say.
Hiding something.
Can't take Tommy out of there against his will.
I'm just not so sure that he really wants to be there.
It's all so complicated.
You did warn me Kathleen.
(whimsical music) Come on Michael, You know Rooster's better off in the wild.
No I don't, not for certain.
Look, why don't you come here and give us a hand? We need a strong stirring arm.
All right.
Good, now the flour.
Flour.
How's it going? [Emily.]
Fine.
(Rooster squawking) (girls screaming) (all laughing) [Michael.]
Rooster, you missed me.
But managed to get everyone else.
Aw, you missed me.
(grunts) Not a breath, not a sound, not a whisper, right.
Same goes for you lot, right? You know what to expect if I hear one squeak.
We all love it here don't we? Where do we wanna live? [Children.]
Here.
And who's your most favorite person in the world? [Children.]
Daddy.
Right.
Now Jenny, I'd like a quiet word with you.
(dramatic music) Oh, hello Jenny.
I can't talk to you.
It's all right.
I won't hurt you.
I can't talk to you.
Oh, oh.
He'll see us, let me go.
Jenny, the marks.
She's been beaten.
No I haven't.
What happened, did someone hurt you? Wasn't nobody, I did it in the blackberries.
Doesn't look like blackberries to me.
Well it is.
Accident prone family.
Hmm.
Thanks for your hospitality Mr.
Langer, and take care of your family won't you? Oh I'll do that all right.
Tommy, I'm gonna be leaving now, and you can still come with me if you like.
The world outside this valley is a very exciting place, and I'd love you to come.
Will you? Well maybe I can come and see you sometimes, and see how you're getting along.
Oh I don't think that'd be a very good idea do you? Could be unsettling for the child.
The child's interests would have to come first wouldn't they? Maybe I can write.
That would be okay wouldn't it? Yeah, letters couldn't do much harm.
In fact, letters would be a good idea.
We'll look forward to getting letters.
Godspeed.
Do you have to go so soon? It'll be for the best, you'll see.
Goodbye.
(melancholy music) That was close.
Just you wait.
All of ya.
(whimsical music) I thought Langer's interest in Tommy's welfare was touching didn't you? Yes I did.
I also think it isn't fair to take a child away from a home that's happy without just cause.
Whoa, whoa.
I can tolerate shotty work, I can tolerate carping and complaints, but I will not tolerate disloyalty to this family.
(whip snaps) No Richard, we've had enough.
Everyday it's something new.
Yesterday it was burnt dinner on the table, before that it was Be quiet! My Father never spared the rod, and neither will I.
I'm master here and I'll be obeyed.
If I say you're gonna be punished, punished you're gonna be, and it's gonna hurt, so who's to blame this time? Not anymore Langer.
Not ever again.
We won't hesitate to shoot.
[Joanna.]
Tommy! Well that's interesting.
It's a labyrinth in there, and I'm the only one who can get him out.
So no shooting right, if I get your little brother out.
Do it.
This is an old mine that I'm reworking, and maintenance hasn't been the best, what with one thing and another.
And if you don't give me those rifles, (timber thuds) I'll collapse the mine and bury the child.
(gun firing) Get away from there, come on move! You wouldn't shoot me.
You haven't got the stomach for it.
But I have and will, if you put toe out of line Richard Langer.
Many is the time I've thought about it, so be warned.
I'm going in.
Two for the price of one, I'll enjoy that.
Be quiet.
Tommy, Tommy can you hear me? Tommy, no one's gonna hurt you.
Tommy, you have to trust me, I'm your sister.
No, no Joanna, you can't go in there, it's too dangerous.
Somehow we have to coax him out.
(timber creaking) There was a lullaby, maybe he'll remember that.
Well try it.
â« Hush my baby sweetly sleep â« Do not cry â« I will sing a lullaby My Father used to sing that to me when I was a little girl.
Maybe he used to sing it to Tommy too.
Well, let's hope he did.
Try it again.
â« I will rock you, rock you, rock you â« I will rock you, rock you, rock you â« Here's some fur to keep you warm â« Wrapped around your tiny form (dramatic music) (timber crashing) (whimsical music) Look Dorothy, sweet.
Look, it won't happen again, I promise.
You're right there, not to us anyway.
We're a family.
I know me temper gets the better of me sometimes.
Not sometimes, always, but from now on you can get as angry as you like.
It'll just be you and the dust, because we're going and you're staying.
Dorothy, I love you.
I can't live without you.
Even better.
(dramatic music) (whimsical music) I think you'll love Bendigo, it's not like a big city at all.
It'll be so new and exciting, and Joanna will look after you really well.
I certainly will, and thank you Matt, thank you Kathleen for helping me find my family.
It certainly has grown a bit (chuckles).
Yes it has, Dorothy and Jenny are gonna stay awhile, and help sort out some loose ends, and I'm gonna sort out mine.
Thank you.
Thank you Matt.
Goodbye Joanna, take care.
You two are very lucky to have each other.
Yeah, we are.
Bye.
Bye.
(train whistle tooting) Look after yourselves.
Bye, bye.
Now, would all hold still please, and.
(camera flash thuds) Thank you.
Come and look at the cake.
Yeah, let's have a look at the cake.
Oh, Emily and Danni, well done.
And Michael.
Oh, and Michael.
The icing's my bit.
Don't touch, wait til later.
All right everyone, cake and then presents.
Hmm presents.
[Matt.]
Presents, let's go.
Oh Michael, it's beautiful, oh well.
Well happy birthday Mom.
Do you really like it? I love it.
I just love it, it must've cost you a fortune.
Well I thought you'd like it.
I do, it's really beautiful.
Thank you darling, and thank you all.
I'm having a wonderful birthday, thank you.
Oh it's a lovely shawl.
Yes, it is.
(clears throat) There is something else, follow me.
Excuse me.
What is it Matt? My gift.
Happy birthday.
Oh Matt.
It's my Mother's.
Left hand, third finger.
I love you Kathleen.
(dramatic music) (whimsical music)
Mr.
Jake, I'm much happier doing this myself.
And that's another thing, well you being a woman and all.
I know, I'm probably the most difficult customer you've ever had.
No, the most difficult customer I have is that old prospector who was in here awhile ago.
Prospector? Old man Everett, mad as a cut snake.
Everett? Mm.
Doug Everett? The same, now he's over there in the store just now.
(Doug grunts) Giddy up ya mongrel, come on, yah.
Mr.
Everett! Mr.
Everett please stop.
I need to speak to you.
Whoa you mongrel.
I'm Joanna Walker, you knew my Father, Joseph Walker? Never heard of him.
Go on, gee haw, gee haw.
Ho, ho, stop, whoa, whoa.
Mr.
Everett, my Father's dead now, but he had a son, my, my half brother Thomas, I must find him.
I don't know nothing about no son either.
Now get out of me way girly, 'cause I got things to do.
Come on, gee haw, yah! Remember not to put any weight on that foot.
Maybe next time you'll think twice before you go jumping your horse bareback.
The doctor didn't say anything about not riding.
Michael, when you're fit enough to to back to school, you'll be fit to ride again and not before.
All right? (hooves thudding) Hello Joanna.
Hello Kathleen.
Matt! Joanna.
I saw him.
I saw him in town.
[Matt.]
Who? Everett.
What were you doing with Doug Everett? Ah, he's a friend of my Father's.
Did you speak to him? I spoke to him, but he wouldn't tell me anything.
In fact, he nearly ran me down with his wagon.
(scoffs) Lucky he wasn't driving a train, he's crazy.
Well he's the only link I have to my brother.
I really need to talk to him.
Ah, you probably just caught him on a bad day.
Which way was he headed? He was going down Main Street, South I think.
Well that makes sense, he's got a camp out at Swifts Creek.
Dad, we gonna break these horses? Haven't you just got back? I can't drive you away again.
If you're stuck, I don't mind taking you there.
I'll take you.
Well I, I have to make a delivery to Omeo, and Swifts Creek's practically on the way.
What about your business and Michael? Well I'll only be gone a couple of days.
The ankle's healing well, and it'll give Matt and Michael a chance to get to know each other.
Man to impending stepfather.
(whimsical music) (Rooster screeching) Shoot, shoot, get out.
[Rooster.]
Shoo, shoo Shoo, shoo.
[Danni.]
Dad will kill you.
I know.
You shouldn't keep a wild bird in captivity anyway, it's cruel.
Well I saved him when he fell out of the nest.
He loves me.
Here Rooster, here boy.
What sort of name is Rooster? It's a cockatoo, not a chicken.
[Michael.]
It suits him.
You better get this mess cleaned up before Dad comes back.
(Matt clears his throat) Hi Dad.
Hi Matt.
I think he was looking for a mouse.
Cockatoos don't eat mice, but it seems they eat everything else.
Well he won't do it again, I promise.
Can't you build a cage for it, or just set it free? You can't put him in a cage.
Well he'd die without me.
(Rooster squawking) [Joanna.]
Matt really is an amazing person.
I think so.
Isn't it a bit daunting marrying such an adventurous man? Uh, not in the least.
He has a wonderful way with horses, and he's awfully charming.
Awfully.
And he's so kind, and I've never heard him raise his voice to anybody.
Mm, he has his moments, and if he can draw a map, this should be the road to Swifts Creek.
Walk on.
Hey hungry? [Rooster.]
Hungry.
Yes thanks.
Good.
So Emily's made your room up for you.
Yeah, well you've got the number one guest bed.
Don't know what you've done to deserve it.
The uh, cockatoo sleeps outside doesn't he? Um, sometimes.
Well it's your responsibility to see he doesn't misbehave.
Better keep him well fed huh? Now, if there's anything you need.
If you need any advice on anything, you know, man to man, you tell me okay? Good.
Well there is something.
Could you pass the pickles please.
Yeah sure, that's great, anything at all.
Come on, come on, come on, come here, come here.
Come on, come on, come on.
You useless, aah! Well that's it, that's the last time.
I'm sick of you.
I'll learn you.
(horse whinnying) No! Don't you dare strike that animal.
You get out of my way.
Whoa, steady, steady, easy now.
What's wrong, what's wrong? Whatever it is I can fix it.
I couldn't get near it, it'll kill her.
Oh, that's the problem.
What, what is it? It's an abscess.
Well, you should put it out of it's misery.
No, I can fix it.
Just needs to be lanced.
Can you do it? Yes.
So what can I do? You can build up the fire and boil me some water.
Fine.
[Michael.]
Matt.
[Matt.]
Yes Michael? You said if I wanted to talk, you know, get some advice.
Yeah of course, is something bothering you? I don't know what to do.
It's this Thursday, but Mom said I wasn't to tell.
Yeah, what's on this Thursday? Mama's birthday, I thought we should have a party.
It's your Mother's birthday this Thursday? She made me promise not to tell, but I reckon birthdays are important.
Oh, they sure are.
Thanks for telling me.
I don't think your Mom will mind a bit.
You touch her with that, she'll kick you into next year.
[Joanna.]
Kathleen, I'm ready now.
Thanks.
[Kathleen.]
I'll take that.
Look, I'm not gonna tell ya this isn't gonna hurt, because it is.
You're gonna have to be brave, okay? All right.
(knife thuds) (horse whinnying) Okay, all over, well done.
Good, good girl.
I could've done that.
Couldn't get close enough, that's all.
Here you go.
Ah.
Thanks.
Just the thing.
It's not too clean.
So you really did know my Father? Maybe.
Found this in his hut.
It says in here that you and he had a gold mining claim together.
He was a good fella your Dad.
He come up to the high country with his new bride, and then she died, and he went sort of crazy, because it was the second time you see.
Your Mom was the first, and then she went, and ah, he never got himself over that.
They had another child, a little boy.
Yeah, Tommy.
What happened to him.
Gave him away.
What? Your Father gave him away.
You gotta see it from his side you see, because he'd gone to pieces.
He could hardly look out for himself, let alone a little nipper, and with his wife gone, he was sick, and ah, well I don't think he expected to live that long himself, and there was this woman see? She was a good woman, she already had a child, but for some reason she couldn't have no more, so your Father thought that she and her husband could offer all that you Dad couldn't.
You know, family life, a woman's touch.
I mean, your Dad really thought it all for the best.
And it wasn't? Well, your Dad didn't know, and none of us had any idea.
What happened? Oh now now, if I tell ya, he'd kill me (chuckles).
My life wouldn't be worth two bob.
Please Doug, where's my brother? (dramatic music) He's with a man called Langer, but I warn ya, he's a monster.
(dramatic music) (whimsical music) (Rooster squawking) Good day to you young sir.
Alan Grout Tinker, or so the sign man tells me.
I never did learn to read or write.
That's what it says.
I'm Michael O'Neil.
Knives sharpened, boots resoled and heeled.
At your service Michael O'Neil.
I'm looking for a present for my Mother.
Mm, pretty lady is she? Of course she is.
Baubles from Bolivia to melt a mother's heart.
Beads and braids from the Indian subcontinent.
Fashion accessories never before seen in the colonies, all the way from the mysterious East.
Beautiful isn't it? From the Royal Court in Shanghai.
An absolute steal at ten shillings, but for you, five.
I don't have enough money.
I don't suppose you could give me credit til Friday could you? Credit, now credit doesn't help anyone.
It would be trouble for you, and absolute death of me.
No money you say? What do we have here? Ah you seem to be a man of means.
Uh, a man of substance.
Are they mine? Well the ears are yours, of course they're yours.
Here.
They're only buttons.
And isn't that like life? One disappointment after another.
Nothing comes easy Michael O'Neil, remember that.
Nothing comes easy.
That's a beautiful bird you've got there.
Would you care to sell him? There are people who live in fine houses in Melbourne that never see the countryside.
They would pay good money for a bird like that.
I wouldn't sell him.
Not for anything.
Everything has a price Mr.
O'Neil, everything.
A beautiful bird like that, intelligent too I can see.
You might raise as much as five shillings even.
[Rooster.]
(squawks) Five shillings.
(whimsical music) We could be in for some bad weather.
Maybe worth setting up camp before it moves in.
I know we won't reach Langer's by nightfall, but there's a couple hours of daylight left, be a shame to waste them.
I think we really should look for a campsite now.
I suppose so.
We'll stop at the next stream, all right? I tend to favor a higher ground, but whatever you think.
Bessie! Whoa, hold on, whoa! Bessie, ooh! Ooh, ooh, whoa! Oh no! No no no no no, oh, ooh! You all right? Yes.
Are you sure? I think so.
Perfect.
What? Well you said you wanted to camp near the water.
I said near it, not in it.
(Joanna chuckles) (Kathleen chuckles) What do we do now? I guess we should start um, unloading the cart.
Could you start unhitching Bessie for me? I hate to say this, but I think we should get help.
There's no one around for miles Joanna.
No we can manage, we just have to find some leverage once we've unloaded the wagon.
Okay.
[Kathleen.]
All right.
Pull it this way here.
Hello Bess.
Who thought it would come to this Joanna? I mean look at me.
Oh, I hope this is gonna work Kathleen.
It has to work.
Ah! Yes, yes! Yes, yes.
Woo hoo! (whimsical music) Don't think you're the only one who has this problem.
I gotta admit, when I was your age I had the same problem.
More than once.
It's never happen before.
Well, Tinker's right, it doesn't help to borrow money.
Now I don't mind loaning you some, but you asked for my advice, and the thing is, well I've never had any respect for a man who has to borrow money to get out of trouble.
Well, I guess not.
[Danni.]
Give me back the tablecloth you silly bird.
Get out, shoo, go on.
(Rooster squawking) Shoo, shoo.
I don't suppose you've got anything you might wanna sell? Just a thought.
(whimsical music) Mm, thanks.
So have you thought about what you're gonna do when we find the boy? With money I have left, I'm gonna buy a little house in Bendigo.
I thought you were gonna stay in the high country, and breed horses like your Father.
Maybe, someday, but I want Tommy to have every opportunity.
Some culture, a good education, but most of all I want him to have a family.
(whimsical music) Don't look so down young lad.
You don't have to worry about Rooster anymore.
Are you sure he'll have a good home? A home fit for the prince of birds.
I'm afraid he'll fret for me.
He won't fret, believe me.
A day or two apart and you'll be forgotten.
It's the way of the world.
You said, you did say, five shillings didn't you? I certainly did, and that's what you shall have, five of the very best.
One, two, three, four, and five.
And I'd like to buy that shawl over there.
And that will cost you five shillings.
One, two, three, four, five.
It's a miracle isn't it, how money makes the world go round? Never fails to fascinate me.
They'll treat him well won't they? They love wild things in Melbourne.
He'll have pride of place in some fine parlor.
Yes indeed.
Once he's stuffed and mounted.
Stuffed? I do a fine job if I say so myself.
You're gonna kill Rooster? Only way to do it I'm afraid.
Well no, I'll buy him back.
Ah well, a deal's a deal.
I stand to make a handsome little profit from him, stuffed.
Sorry boy.
Five pieces of silver Rooster.
(Rooster squawks) (whimsical music) Whoa girl.
By the look of this area, we're nearly there.
I can't wait.
Joanna, I think you have to be prepared in case In case Langer's as bad as they painted him to be? Well that too, but two years is a very long time, anything could've happened.
You don't think Langer could've harmed him do you? Well I just think you have to be prepared for any eventuality.
They may not even be there anymore.
Well, wherever he is, I'm gonna find him and bring him home.
(whimsical music) (whimsical music) Michael.
What's the matter? Huh, you missing your Mother or something? No, it's not that.
You know that advice you gave me? Mm hmm.
I ran into some trouble with it.
Huh? I decided to sell Rooster, you know, to buy the shawl for Mom.
Well that's a big decision, and I can understand your concern.
I'd have actually thought about it.
Well I though so, except that Tinker said he's gonna stuff Rooster, put him in a glass case.
Oh boy, not around here he's not.
Come on.
(whimsical music) Here you go.
Ah Mr.
Grout.
[Alan.]
That's me.
I want the bird back.
Well, anything's possible.
That's an extremely valuable specimen.
Mm hmm, how valuable? Well I couldn't let it go for under 15 shillings.
15? Well I'll give ya five, that's what you paid for it.
Michael's changed his mind.
Let's call it a cooling down period shall we? Otherwise, things are gonna get decidedly warmer.
You get my drift? You may keep the cage.
[Matt.]
Thank you.
What about the shawl? I've still got it.
That means I owe you five shillings, and that's a loan.
No let's say it's an advance on two weeks part-time work at Langara huh.
Great.
The sign says you do photographic work.
You do house calls? I certainly do.
The miracle of the age.
Anything from true lifelikenesses to sweeping panoramas, and a delightful array of frames handcrafted for your delectation.
I think he means yes.
[Michael.]
Yeah (chuckles).
[Matt.]
Up you go.
(cart squeaking) (wagon rumbling) Mom, Mommy! No wait, it's all right.
Don't worry about the girl.
She's not used to strangers.
This is private property.
You're trespassing on a mining lease.
We're looking for a man called Langer.
Whatcha want with him? Information, I'm looking for my brother.
He's a seven year old.
Your brother, what's his name? Tommy, Thomas Walker.
I'm Joanna Walker and this is Kathleen O'Neil.
My name's Dick Langer.
You can be at ease, you won't need the rifle.
Yes.
Do you know the boy? Certainly do, he's a part of our family now.
You ladies had best step down.
Mr.
Langer, I've been so intent on my search and my plans for the future that I really only saw this from my point of view.
Don't be alarmed, we always knew someone would come someday.
We just been taking care of the boy in sacred trust that's all.
A very generous attitude.
Dorothy, come here love.
Some people to see you.
This is my wife Dorothy, my daughter Jenny.
This here's young Tommy.
Hello Tommy.
Tommy, say hello to your big sister.
How about a cupper love, Jenny will give ya a hand.
Come on mate, pretty lady's come a long way to see ya.
All the way from old Doug Everett's I'd say.
Am I right? As a matter of fact, it was.
So you were expecting the worst? A burst of rifle fire at least.
Sorry, but you're not the first to be fooled by old Doug.
Still he's not to blame you know, he's a bit strange in the head.
That's by the by.
Now Tommy, this here's your sister, and she lives in a big house in the city, and she's searched high and low for ya, and now she wants to take you back with her.
So what do ya say? I don't want to rush the child.
You wouldn't wanna force him against his will would ya? So what do you say son, do you wanna go? (whimsical music) This will do just fine.
He'll have plenty of company here.
Are you sure you'll be okay? Some things just weren't meant to be caged.
(Rooster squawking) That's Miss Walker's, and that's your Father's.
Oh, what a nasty looking bruise.
Oh it's nothing, it's just a bump.
Bruises easy my wife, and clumsy.
If it's there to bump into, she'll do it.
Yeah clumsy, always have been.
That's why you need a man around don't ya? Take care of you womenfolk.
Well not necessarily Mr.
Langer.
More and more women are leading successful, independent lives these days.
There's no question that the old ways are changing.
But it's not natural is it? Dorothy love, I think we need some more water.
It's all right Richard, they'll be enough.
But I'd be obliged if you'd be so good as to get some more just in case.
Yes dear.
I assure you Mr.
Langer, that as much as I appreciate family values, I too am a single woman.
Well what would the boy do without a father? Do you really think I'd take Tommy away, if I didn't think I could take care of him? I know that I can give him a safe, happy, and secure home.
It's not a real family is it? Family's important.
You'd agree with that wouldn't you my dear? Boy needs a bit of rough and tumble, mix it in with the men.
Wouldn't want him to turn out a sissy.
No matter how he turns out, it'll be just fine with me.
Mr.
Langer, we hate to bother you, but it's getting too late for us to make it back tonight, so if you don't mind, we'll camp by the creek.
Be our pleasure.
I do feel for them, but why would Tommy wanna stay there? Am I being selfish thinking he'd be better off with me? No, of course you're not.
She's a good woman.
Everett said that Dad placed him in a home with a good woman, and a good family, but I'm not so sure.
A frightened woman I'd say.
Hiding something.
Can't take Tommy out of there against his will.
I'm just not so sure that he really wants to be there.
It's all so complicated.
You did warn me Kathleen.
(whimsical music) Come on Michael, You know Rooster's better off in the wild.
No I don't, not for certain.
Look, why don't you come here and give us a hand? We need a strong stirring arm.
All right.
Good, now the flour.
Flour.
How's it going? [Emily.]
Fine.
(Rooster squawking) (girls screaming) (all laughing) [Michael.]
Rooster, you missed me.
But managed to get everyone else.
Aw, you missed me.
(grunts) Not a breath, not a sound, not a whisper, right.
Same goes for you lot, right? You know what to expect if I hear one squeak.
We all love it here don't we? Where do we wanna live? [Children.]
Here.
And who's your most favorite person in the world? [Children.]
Daddy.
Right.
Now Jenny, I'd like a quiet word with you.
(dramatic music) Oh, hello Jenny.
I can't talk to you.
It's all right.
I won't hurt you.
I can't talk to you.
Oh, oh.
He'll see us, let me go.
Jenny, the marks.
She's been beaten.
No I haven't.
What happened, did someone hurt you? Wasn't nobody, I did it in the blackberries.
Doesn't look like blackberries to me.
Well it is.
Accident prone family.
Hmm.
Thanks for your hospitality Mr.
Langer, and take care of your family won't you? Oh I'll do that all right.
Tommy, I'm gonna be leaving now, and you can still come with me if you like.
The world outside this valley is a very exciting place, and I'd love you to come.
Will you? Well maybe I can come and see you sometimes, and see how you're getting along.
Oh I don't think that'd be a very good idea do you? Could be unsettling for the child.
The child's interests would have to come first wouldn't they? Maybe I can write.
That would be okay wouldn't it? Yeah, letters couldn't do much harm.
In fact, letters would be a good idea.
We'll look forward to getting letters.
Godspeed.
Do you have to go so soon? It'll be for the best, you'll see.
Goodbye.
(melancholy music) That was close.
Just you wait.
All of ya.
(whimsical music) I thought Langer's interest in Tommy's welfare was touching didn't you? Yes I did.
I also think it isn't fair to take a child away from a home that's happy without just cause.
Whoa, whoa.
I can tolerate shotty work, I can tolerate carping and complaints, but I will not tolerate disloyalty to this family.
(whip snaps) No Richard, we've had enough.
Everyday it's something new.
Yesterday it was burnt dinner on the table, before that it was Be quiet! My Father never spared the rod, and neither will I.
I'm master here and I'll be obeyed.
If I say you're gonna be punished, punished you're gonna be, and it's gonna hurt, so who's to blame this time? Not anymore Langer.
Not ever again.
We won't hesitate to shoot.
[Joanna.]
Tommy! Well that's interesting.
It's a labyrinth in there, and I'm the only one who can get him out.
So no shooting right, if I get your little brother out.
Do it.
This is an old mine that I'm reworking, and maintenance hasn't been the best, what with one thing and another.
And if you don't give me those rifles, (timber thuds) I'll collapse the mine and bury the child.
(gun firing) Get away from there, come on move! You wouldn't shoot me.
You haven't got the stomach for it.
But I have and will, if you put toe out of line Richard Langer.
Many is the time I've thought about it, so be warned.
I'm going in.
Two for the price of one, I'll enjoy that.
Be quiet.
Tommy, Tommy can you hear me? Tommy, no one's gonna hurt you.
Tommy, you have to trust me, I'm your sister.
No, no Joanna, you can't go in there, it's too dangerous.
Somehow we have to coax him out.
(timber creaking) There was a lullaby, maybe he'll remember that.
Well try it.
â« Hush my baby sweetly sleep â« Do not cry â« I will sing a lullaby My Father used to sing that to me when I was a little girl.
Maybe he used to sing it to Tommy too.
Well, let's hope he did.
Try it again.
â« I will rock you, rock you, rock you â« I will rock you, rock you, rock you â« Here's some fur to keep you warm â« Wrapped around your tiny form (dramatic music) (timber crashing) (whimsical music) Look Dorothy, sweet.
Look, it won't happen again, I promise.
You're right there, not to us anyway.
We're a family.
I know me temper gets the better of me sometimes.
Not sometimes, always, but from now on you can get as angry as you like.
It'll just be you and the dust, because we're going and you're staying.
Dorothy, I love you.
I can't live without you.
Even better.
(dramatic music) (whimsical music) I think you'll love Bendigo, it's not like a big city at all.
It'll be so new and exciting, and Joanna will look after you really well.
I certainly will, and thank you Matt, thank you Kathleen for helping me find my family.
It certainly has grown a bit (chuckles).
Yes it has, Dorothy and Jenny are gonna stay awhile, and help sort out some loose ends, and I'm gonna sort out mine.
Thank you.
Thank you Matt.
Goodbye Joanna, take care.
You two are very lucky to have each other.
Yeah, we are.
Bye.
Bye.
(train whistle tooting) Look after yourselves.
Bye, bye.
Now, would all hold still please, and.
(camera flash thuds) Thank you.
Come and look at the cake.
Yeah, let's have a look at the cake.
Oh, Emily and Danni, well done.
And Michael.
Oh, and Michael.
The icing's my bit.
Don't touch, wait til later.
All right everyone, cake and then presents.
Hmm presents.
[Matt.]
Presents, let's go.
Oh Michael, it's beautiful, oh well.
Well happy birthday Mom.
Do you really like it? I love it.
I just love it, it must've cost you a fortune.
Well I thought you'd like it.
I do, it's really beautiful.
Thank you darling, and thank you all.
I'm having a wonderful birthday, thank you.
Oh it's a lovely shawl.
Yes, it is.
(clears throat) There is something else, follow me.
Excuse me.
What is it Matt? My gift.
Happy birthday.
Oh Matt.
It's my Mother's.
Left hand, third finger.
I love you Kathleen.
(dramatic music) (whimsical music)